§ 26. Mr. Owenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he received a communication expressing the anxiety of farmers and farm-workers concerning the lease of farms in Ashington, Northumberland; what reply he has sent; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)My right hon. Friend received a letter on 6th April from the District Organizer of the National Union of Agricultural Workers. He has replied saying that he has no power to intervene in this matter. If the hon. Member wishes to pursue it further, I would suggest that he should write to the 1126 Chairman of the National Coal Board, by whom I understand the farms are owned.
§ Mr. OwenIs the Minister aware that not only the agricultural workers but also farming interests in the area are seriously concerned at the decision taken by the N.C.B. to lease farms to a London syndicate with an American manager? They are necessarily worried as to what finally is to happen to the workers employed on those farms. Was not the N.C.B. prepared to give an opportunity to local farmers to lease farms from the Board?
§ Mr. GodberI am not in a position to answer for the N.C.B., for reasons which I think the hon. Member well knows. I am, however, aware of the concern which he has voiced, and I well understand the feelings of those involved.